We had the good fortune of connecting with Steven Dew and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Steven, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Creative pursuits feed my soul and help me find value in my own story. I am big on reaching for your potential and finding newer and deeper levels of growth. Artistic endeavors have always helped me grow both as a creator and as a human. There is freedom in creation, tons of problem solving, learning, and finding ways to tell stories that are compelling to others. Those are all things I care about very deeply. Once I’ve done the hard work of sitting down to create, I usually find myself in that state of ‘flow’ where time falls away and it’s just me and the project. I love that, and I won’t give it up. I might find myself in other occupations throughout my life, but that creative itch has to be scratched. I decided early that I’ll be running with my artistic pursuits no matter what season of life I find myself in. The creative projects have sometimes taken a backseat, and sometimes been in the captain’s chair; but they are always on the plane. We make the time for the things that we care about.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I run an online course and YouTube channel, Stop Motion Sensei, dedicated to teaching people of all ages how to create their own stop motion animations with LEGO. I love to help others bring their ideas to life, dive into history, and stay young at heart. For 8 years, I’ve also been a traveling photographer and videographer as the owner of DewVinci Productions. I’ve had the privilege of capturing nature’s beauty, telling the stories of loving couples, and meeting some incredible people. I am so grateful to have been on my journey in media creation. The tough battle for me has always been perfectionism. Nothing you do is going to be perfect, and I still fight with this and continue learning it every day. If you’re a creative, don’t procrastinate with perfectionism; start today. If you have something to show us, a story to tell us, we can’t wait. We need your contribution. Bring it into the world!
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We’re definitely hiking a 14er together, because that’s always an experience to remember! Aside from that, in the city, we’re drinking great craft beer, hitting the REI flagship store (possibly more than once), and heading to a professional sports game. Broncos, Rockies, Nuggets, Avs, whoever’s playing! We’re definitely hiking a 14er together (and so on) that would be great! We might just spend the rest of our time at the Tattered Cover book store.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To my wife, Sam, thank you for your love, support, and trust! To my parents, thank you for always pushing me to be my best and for allowing me to explore my passions from birth: from designing model towns in the landscaping every summer to building tree-houses, go-karts, and just always helping me bring my ideas to life. Thanks also to all my reading buddies (you know who you are) for learning and being alongside me through thick and thin.
Website: stopmotionsensei.com and dewvinciproductions.com
Instagram: @stopmotionsensei and @stevedewphoto
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stopmotionsensei
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/stopmotionsensei
Image Credits
Steve Dew